4 arrested in multi-state crime spree in Coitsville

COITSVILLE TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN) – Coitsville Police arrested two men and two women Tuesday at King’s Motel in Coitsville Township in what they said was a burglary operation that crossed state lines, according to a press release.

Witnesses had given police a description of a vehicle they believed was involved in a rash of daytime break-ins and officers on Tuesday pulled that vehicle over for a routine traffic violation, which led to the arrests.

Police also picked up Michael Hurley, who also is charged with burglary and receiving stolen property. Police said his case is unrelated to the other four suspects.

Several officers assisted in the stop, which turned up numerous items, including jewelry and tools, they suspected were stolen from the Pulaski, West Middlesex and Coitsville areas. Police arrested and then questioned the occupants of the vehicle, Howell and Dragos.

The questioning revealed that Howell and Dragos were staying at King’s Motel with two other burglary suspects, Wheeland and Sayers.

Police proceeded to King’s motel, where Wheeland and Sayers were staying. The investigation revealed numerous items believed to be stolen from homes while the residents were at work.

Police said the suspects were pawning the items to get money for drugs. They also said the suspects had elaborate tools, including bolt cutters and pry bars.

Coitsville police said they beefed up patrols recently as a result of numerous daytime burglaries reported in the area. According to Coitsville Police Chief Michael Morris, the extra patrols will continue for the foreseeable future.

Police also are asking residents to be vigilant and call police if they see something suspicious.

“Just get our public aware, our residents aware, that when they see something suspicious, a vehicle, something that just doesn’t fit in, call the police department,” Coitsville police officer Keith Brown said.

He said it’s very important for residents to secure their house and set an alarm if they have one. He also recommended talking to neighbors so they can keep an eye on each others’ houses during the day.

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